How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?  

Considering legal and regulatory aspects is fundamental during crisis periods. Is precisely during crisis periods when employees and collaborators are prone to take more risks, dismiss compliance guidance and oversee existing controls; therefore, strengthening surveillance becomes a basic element of crisis management. Further, instability and crisis periods might also bring great opportunities for the business, thus having as much clarity as possible on the key matters impacting the company and its businesses becomes essential to give an accurate advice to internal clients. 

Remaining attentive to existing and potential risks for the firm its personnel and assets originated from legal and regulatory changes as well as from new judicial interpretations is also critical to improve the organisation’s resilience. To achieve this partnership and collaboration from external counsels is of the utmost importance. Being open to new and different ideas gives the team the flexibility to adapt to a changing environment and circumstances. 

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?   

Diversity and inclusion is a core business principle at Morgan Stanley. As an Executive Director of the Legal and Compliance Division I participate in the regional Diversity and Inclusion Committee which seeks to implement different initiatives across the region and business units. I’m convinced that active participation from senior leadership within the organisation is crucial to boost such initiatives, strengthening the firm’s culture and promoting its core values. 

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?  

Definitely, the electoral year in Mexico and the results of the presidential election. For first time in history a woman will be president with all the expectations that such circumstance entails including the enormous tasks of addressing gender violence and inequality. Other issues not related to gender include increase violence within the country, the need to profit from nearshoring and continue to foster economic growth while keeping government’s budget in equilibrium. A big question mark remains in relation with potential constitutional changes and the consolidation of power in the Executive branch. 

During the second half of the year the US presidential elections might also have an important impact in Mexico, particularly in connection with the review of the USMCA agreement.